I was invited to minister in a church several years ago. It was pastored by an elder in the faith. He was a little sceptical given that the program committee suggested a young man as the guest speaker. So he asked them to put the invite on hold so he could make his findings about me.
He put a few calls through to the senior leaders of our former ministry. According to him; “I have heard a lot of positive commendations about you. You have the stage!” That incident taught me a lesson about the mystery of open doors.
Friend, there is a mystery behind open doors (Revelation 3:7-8). Most times, someone would have to introduce you to your critical audience. You must be careful of the taste you leave behind in the mouth of those with whom you have a relationship. It can be the reason for your future recommendations or restrictions.
As Heavenly as the life and ministry of Jesus was, someone had to introduce Him before people could receive Him. A lot of people had been used to John the Baptist. They respected his ministry. He was a voice that everyone could listen to. Introducing Jesus as the Messiah was instrumental to the acceptance of Jesus’ ministry (John 1:26-37). It gave Him access and acceptability.
Despite how apostolic the ministry of Paul was, he would have been stranded if not for a positive recommendation (Acts 9:25). A lot of people were not sure of Paul and his ministry; they were still doubting his conversion (Acts 9:26-29). It took a Barnabas, who was already known, to make Paul known.
There are some doors that won’t open for you unless someone opens them. You cannot force destiny to happen; you need to align yourself with the principles that make life work. Life becomes beautiful when God positions people around you to take you by the hand. Peter was shut out of the palace until a certain disciple gave him access (John 18:15-16).
You cannot be a reference without a reference point. Someone should be able to tell your story. Don’t abuse fathers, else you prolong your journey in destiny (Proverbs 20:20, 30:11-14). Don’t joke with where you are now and who you are relating with; they are ladders to your next level. Career, business, and ministry thrive on referrals. You cannot introduce yourself as others would.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria